How to recognize that a child has a tick? - briefly
Look for a small, dark, oval lesion attached to the skin—commonly on the scalp, neck, or behind ears—that feels like a firm bump and may be flat or slightly raised. Also note any itching, redness, or a noticeably engorged abdomen indicating a recent blood meal.
How to recognize that a child has a tick? - in detail
Ticks attach to the skin and remain hidden for several hours before swelling. Early detection relies on visual inspection and awareness of typical signs.
A thorough body check should include the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, between the fingers, in the groin area, and around the waistline. Use a fine-toothed comb or a magnifying glass to examine each region. Look for:
- Small, dark, oval-shaped organisms, often resembling a seed or a tiny speck.
- A raised, red bump surrounding the parasite, sometimes with a clear halo.
- A dark spot at the center of the bump, indicating the tick’s body.
- Swelling or irritation that does not fade after a few minutes.
Additional clues may appear even if the tick is not visible:
- Sudden itching or a persistent rash localized to a specific area.
- Unexplained fatigue, fever, or headache that develops within a few days of outdoor exposure.
- A feeling of “something moving” under the skin, especially after playing in tall grass or wooded areas.
When a tick is found, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. After removal, cleanse the area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection or illness, such as a expanding red ring (erythema migrans) or flu‑like symptoms. Document the date of removal and the tick’s appearance, as this information assists healthcare providers in assessing disease risk.